Caesar Salad With Capers
A classic Caesar salad with a flavorful twist from capers and anchovies, featuring crisp romaine, tangy lemon, and Parmesan, perfect for elegant or casual dining.
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup toasted croutons
- 1 large head romaine or iceberg lettuce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- juice of 1/2 lemon ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced green onions ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained ⓘ
- 4 anchovy fillets, halved ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Rub the salad bowl with crushed garlic; set aside.
- Combine remaining garlic with olive oil in a separate bowl and let stand for at least 1 hour.
- Toss 1 tablespoon of garlic oil with toasted croutons; set aside.
- Tear lettuce into large pieces and place in the garlic-rubbed salad bowl.
- Sprinkle with salt and grind a generous amount of black pepper over the lettuce.
- Crack the egg into the lettuce and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with lemon juice, green onions, capers, and remaining olive oil; toss well.
- Add anchovy fillets and Parmesan cheese; toss gently.
- Sprinkle with croutons or serve alongside.
- Garnish with whole romaine leaves and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the garlic oil. If you're short on time, store-bought croutons can be a quick substitute. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also enhance the flavor. For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt in place of the egg for a lighter dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Caesar Salad With Capers as a refreshing appetizer or side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside dishes like Tropical Coconut Fried Shrimp for a delightful seafood theme. For a heartier option, add some cooked quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Caesar salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the crispness of the lettuce, keep the dressing and croutons separate until ready to serve. Reheat any leftover croutons in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crunch before adding them back to the salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caesar Salad With Capers contains roughly 247 calories, with 10g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (56% of the Daily Value), potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2169mg per serving (94% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad in advance?
While the salad can be prepared ahead of time, it's best to wait until just before serving to toss it with the dressing and croutons. This will help keep the lettuce crisp and prevent sogginess. You can prepare the ingredients and store them separately in the fridge for convenience.
What can I use instead of anchovies?
If you're not a fan of anchovies, you can substitute them with a tablespoon of caper brine for a similar salty flavor. Alternatively, consider using a small amount of miso paste or a dash of soy sauce to achieve a savory depth without the fishiness.
Is it safe to use raw egg in the dressing?
Using raw egg does carry a small risk of foodborne illness, especially for those with compromised immune systems. To reduce this risk, use pasteurized eggs. Alternatively, you can create a Caesar dressing with mayonnaise for a similar creamy texture without the raw egg.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).